Masjid Assaid, Masjid Tua Tanpa Jemaah Wanita

Summary

Masjid Assaid, located in the Chinatown area of Makassar, Indonesia, is one of the city's oldest mosques, built in 1907. The mosque, also known as the 'Arab Mosque,' retains its original architecture and stands as a witness to the history of Islam's arrival in the region. Originally serving as a transit point for Hajj pilgrims before independence, the mosque holds significant historical and religious value. Its design features symbolic elements of Islam, including pillars representing the Quran, Hadith, consensus, and analogy. Today, it remains a place of worship and a religious tourism destination.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Al-Said Mosque is located in the heart of a Chinese-majority area in Makassar, Indonesia, making it a unique cultural landmark.
• 😀 The mosque is one of the oldest in Makassar, having been built in 1907, and still retains its original architecture.
• 😀 The mosque is also known as the 'Arab Mosque,' a name that reflects its historical ties to Arab traders who played a role in its establishment.
• 😀 Over 100 years old, the Al-Said Mosque stands as a testament to the introduction of Islam in the region by early Arab traders.
• 😀 The mosque was once a transit point for pilgrims heading to Mecca before Indonesia’s independence, serving as a resting place for Hajj-bound travelers.
• 😀 The mosque's original design included a two-story structure with wooden floors, which was used to house pilgrims from various regions.
• 😀 During the Dutch colonial period, Makassar had developed a better port system, facilitating trade and the movement of people, including Hajj pilgrims.
• 😀 The architecture of the mosque holds significant symbolic meaning, with pillars representing core Islamic principles such as the Quran, Hadith, and consensus.
• 😀 There was a historical cultural norm where only men would pray in the mosque, as women were considered to have a higher status when praying at home.
• 😀 Today, the Al-Said Mosque still stands proudly in the midst of Makassar’s Chinatown, surrounded by Chinese-style architecture.
• 😀 In addition to its religious function, the mosque serves as a cultural and religious tourism destination, offering visitors insights into history and spirituality.

Q & A

What is the significance of Masjid Assaid in Makassar?

Masjid Assaid is one of the oldest mosques in Makassar, built in 1907. It holds historical significance as a witness to the spread of Islam in the region and has served as a transit point for pilgrims heading to Mecca before Indonesia's independence.

How has Masjid Assaid maintained its historical architecture?

Masjid Assaid has preserved its original architecture since it was first built over 100 years ago, maintaining its structure and design, which include elements symbolizing Islamic teachings.

Why is Masjid Assaid sometimes referred to as 'Masjid Arab'?

The mosque is commonly known as 'Masjid Arab' because it was established by Arab traders who came to Makassar long ago, contributing to the spread of Islam in the area.

What role did Masjid Assaid play during the pre-independence period in Indonesia?

Before independence, Masjid Assaid served not only as a place of worship but also as a transit location for pilgrims on their way to Mecca, especially for those traveling from areas like Ambon and Palu.

What architectural feature in Masjid Assaid holds deep meaning?

The mosque’s columns are symbolic of the four pillars of Islam: the Quran, Hadith, Ijma (consensus), and Qiyas (analogy). These pillars are foundational to Islamic law and belief.

How does Masjid Assaid reflect the cultural diversity of Makassar?

Masjid Assaid stands proudly in the midst of a Chinatown area, surrounded by buildings with Chinese architectural styles, reflecting the city’s rich cultural diversity and the blend of different communities living together.

Why are women not allowed to pray in Masjid Assaid according to the script?

The mosque's historical rules were influenced by the cultural norms of the time, where it was considered more virtuous for women to pray at home rather than in the mosque, as per a hadith.

What makes Masjid Assaid a suitable destination for religious tourism?

In addition to being a place of worship, Masjid Assaid is a historical landmark that offers visitors insight into the history of Islam in Makassar and serves as a destination for religious and cultural tourism.

How has the community’s role in the mosque evolved over time?

The mosque has evolved from a simple transit stop for pilgrims to a significant religious and cultural hub, with the local community using it for various religious activities and as a symbol of Islamic heritage.

What impact did the construction of the mosque have on the local area?

The construction of Masjid Assaid helped in the spread of Islam in the region, marking the entrance of Islamic teachings through trade. It also became a central part of the local community’s religious life.